Canada, with a population of about 40.7 million, is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with only 11 people per square mile.
Since late 2020, there have been changes in demographic patterns across Canada, with Canada welcoming a high number of permanent and temporary immigrants, including workers and international students.
This population increase of 3.2% from 2022 to 2023 represented Canada’s highest annual growth rate since 1957. Most of it was due to temporary migration.
In 2023, interprovincial migration surpassed 300,000 to 333,000, with the highest net gain going to Alberta, an increase of 55,107 people.
According to the government’s Fall Economic Statement released in November 2023, Canada’s economic plan is working with a low unemployment rate and more than a million Canadians employed compared to the pre-pandemic period.
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The release said wages outpaced inflation and the International Monetary Fund projects that Canada will see the strongest economic growth among the G7 in 2024.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada received the third-most foreign direct investment of any country in the world in the first half of this year—and the highest per capita in the G7.
A government release in 2022 said the rising proportion of immigrants is mainly driven by the record number of new immigrants who came to Canada from 2016 to 2021.
Several factors influence city population growth, but immigration is a common thread. The cities are ranked according to their population growth rates between 2018 and 2022.
1. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, on the south shore of Prince Edward Island and the capital, is the capital of Prince Edward Island, saw a population growth rate of 13.33%. As of 2022, the city recorded a population of 86,865 individuals.
The “Birthplace of Confederation” and host of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which played a role in Canada’s formation, takes the top spot on the list of the fastest-growing cities in Canada from 2018 to 2022. Economic opportunities, quality of life, education, migration, affordable housing, and infrastructure are some factors fueling growth in the city. Educational institutions like the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) attract students who may settle, adding to immigration numbers.
2. Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton, one of the most populated cities in New Brunswick, saw its population increase by 12.49% between 2018 and 2022. Moncton’s economic diversity, affordability, and high quality of life fuel its population growth.
Job opportunities in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing attract people, while lower living costs, recreational amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere draw newcomers. The University of Moncton and community colleges is a draw for students and academics attracted to the city’s appeal and growth.
3. Woodstock, Ontario
Woodstock in Southwestern Ontario and the seat of Oxford County, The Dairy Capital of Canada, recorded a growth rate of 12.35%. The county boasts dozens of farms and artisan cheese makers, a tourism boost for the local economy.
The Woodstock Museum and Fanshawe College are also a draw. Auto-manufacturing, like the Toyota plant and the Hino truck assembly plant, also owned by Toyota, play a significant role in driving Woodstock’s economy.
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Atlantic Canada, saw a population growth rate of 11.79% between 2018 and 2022. It owes its significance to its location with one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbours, making it an important commercial port for Canada.
Most Halifax residents are young professionals working in one of many industries in private sector companies and government offices. Major employers include the Department of National Defense and Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University attract students nationally and globally adding to Halifax’s steady immigration rates.
5. Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon territory, is one of the largest cities in Northern Canada. The median household income in Whitehorse is 35% higher than the Canadian average. The unemployment rate is 4%, lower than the Canadian average by 40%.
The Yukon Nominee Program accepts applications for nominee candidates inside and outside Canada. According to the province’s website, the YNP is currently prioritizing applications due to a large volume of applications.
Whitehorse offers diverse job opportunities in mining, tourism, and government sectors. The city saw a population growth rate of 10.54% from 2018 to 2022, and according to the 2022 Census, the population stood at 35,372.
6. Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, approximately 60 km east of Downtown Toronto. It is the largest municipality in the Regional Municipality of Durham and offers economic opportunities in industries like automotive, healthcare, and technology, attracting job seekers.
Oshawa’s population is increasing as individuals relocate from Toronto, searching for larger homes in suburban settings and still finding the commute appealing. Migration, urbanization, affordable housing, education, infrastructure, and familial ties drive population growth. The city recorded a 10.18% population growth rate.
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7. Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna, BC, has an appealing blend of food, weather, accessibility to nature and outdoor activities, and natural scenery. The city has picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities that enhance its quality of life, attracting residents.
One reason Kelowna sees a high immigration rate is the highly affordable housing, which is lower than the national average and significantly lower than in Vancouver. As a retirement haven with robust real estate and education sectors, Kelowna continues to entice newcomers, propelling its growth. It recorded a population growth of 10.12%.
8. Kitchener, Ontario
Kitchener is the largest of the Tri-Cities that make up The Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The other two are Waterloo and Cambridge. The region is experiencing significant economic growth thanks to Kitchener’s tech hub, anchored by firms like Google and Shopify, which offer lucrative job prospects and attract talent.
Kitchener’s diverse environment, bolstered by Canada’s robust immigration system, attracts newcomers. The city recorded a population growth of 9.62%. The University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and urbanization further fuel Kitchener’s population growth, bolstered by its proximity to Toronto.
9. Winkler, Manitoba
Winkler ranks as the fourth largest city in Manitoba. It is about 100 km from Winnipeg and maintains a crime severity index significantly lower than the Canadian average, making it one of Canada’s safest cities.
Winkler’s economic growth is fueled by job opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, attracting migrants. Immigration policies targeting rural areas aid population growth. Winkler saw a population growth of 9.01%. Families seek the town’s quieter lifestyle and lower living costs.
10. Barrie, Ontario
Barrie, about 90 kilometres from Toronto, is in Simcoe County and lies along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. Lake Simcoe’s recreational offerings enhance quality of life. Immigration contributed to an increase in the population, which grew by 8.99% between 2018 and 2022.
Housing affordability compared to Toronto attracts homebuyers. The city serves as a summer and winter resort destination. Barrie’s proximity to Toronto offers job opportunities amid Toronto’s high costs, with commuting made easier by train and bus service linking the two locations.
11. Calgary, Alberta
The cosmopolitan city of Calgary, Alberta, has grown rapidly as a major economic hub in Canada, particularly in industries like oil and gas, technology, finance, and transportation. The multiethnic and multicultural city saw a population growth of 8.41%.
The availability of jobs, high wages an h, a high quality of life, and a strong economy attract people from across Canada and worldwide, enriching the city’s diversity. Calgary boasts low crime, and its proximity to the Rockies offers outdoor activities to nature enthusiasts.
12. Chilliwack, British Columbia
Chilliwack, British Columbia, saw a population growth of 8.33%. It lies about 100 km east of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley. The city’s economy is driven by sectors such as dairy, poultry, and greenhouse operations. Economic opportunities drive growth, attracting immigrants seeking employment.
Affordable housing compared to nearby urban areas and its small-town vibe appeal to young professionals, families, and retirees. Chilliwack is home to the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre and two other post-secondary institutions – the Fraser Valley and the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
13. Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Summerside is the second largest city in Prince County, Prince Edward Island. It acts as the primary service center for the western part of the island. The cost of living is 7% lower than the PEI average.
The city has one of Canada’s lowest utility, sewer access, and property taxation rates. Its population grew by 8.26% from 2018 to 2022, and according to the 2022 census, Summerside had an estimated population of over 18,000 residents. Summerside’s economic opportunities in tech, healthcare, tourism, and affordable housing drive its attractiveness.
14. London, Ontario
London, in southwestern Ontario, has a population of around 422,324 individuals. It’s about 120 miles from Toronto and serves as a regional center for healthcare and education.
Reputable post-secondary institutions like the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College draw students nationally and internationally, some of whom stay after graduation.
London also boasts major health facilities like Victoria Hospital, University Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Immigration, quality of life and infrastructure enhance London’s appeal. The city recorded a population growth of 7.58%.
15. Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is situated along the Saint John River. As one of the province’s key urban centers, it ranks as its third-largest city after Moncton and Saint John. Most city residents, an important cultural and educational centre of the province, have a post-secondary education degree and higher per capita income than the rest. Factors driving population growth in Fredericton include internal and international migration, quality of life, job opportunities and education. The city recorded a population growth rate of 7.7%.
Increasing shares of recent immigrants settling outside Canada’s three largest urban centres – Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver as have been the case in the past 50 years.
However, the share of recent immigrants who have settled in Canada’s three largest urban centres continued to decline, with an increasing number of recent immigrants settling outside key urban centres.
